The Romanian Ministry of Defence has announced that the United States has informed NATO allies that it will reduce some of its military presence along its eastern border with Ukraine, focusing its global security priorities on the Indo-Pacific region. While the US Army confirmed the move, it emphasised that the decision did not imply a reduced commitment to NATO.
The decision comes at a time when the Trump administration is reviewing its military “posture” in Europe. NATO allies were concerned that a significant US troop reduction in the face of Russia’s increasingly aggressive behaviour could create a security vacuum.
Brigade Rotation in Romania Stops
The Romanian Defence Ministry said that with this decision, the United States “will stop the rotation in Europe of a brigade with elements in several NATO countries”, including a base in Romania.
Current Situation: As of April, an estimated 1,700 US troops were stationed in Romania.
New Situation: According to the statement, approximately 1,000 US troops will remain stationed in Romania. A brigade usually consists of 1,500 to 3,000 soldiers.
Romanian Defence Minister Ionut Mosteanu said the decision reflected Washington’s shift of attention to the “Indo-Pacific” region, but the number of allied troops would remain above the number before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Europe’s Responsibility Increases: “A Positive Sign”
The US Army Europe and Africa confirmed in a statement that the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division based in Romania will return to its base in Kentucky as planned, but will not be replaced by another US unit.
The move was described as a sign of Europe’s growing capacity and responsibility:
“This does not mean a US withdrawal from Europe or a lessening of its commitment to NATO and Article 5. It is a positive sign of Europe’s growing capacity and responsibility. Our NATO allies are fulfilling President Trump’s call to assume primary responsibility for Europe’s conventional defence.”
NATO officials emphasised that it is not unusual for the United States to make adjustments to its force posture and that the position of American forces in Europe remains much larger than before 2022.
NATO has already strengthened its presence on its eastern flank by sending additional multinational combat groups to Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria and Slovakia after the start of the war in 2022. This move allows the United States to rely on NATO’s increased capacity to redirect its resources elsewhere.
